NOVEMBER 4-5, 2020 | AVIATIONGHANA.COM
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Parliament passes Air Navigation Services Agency Bill
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Rwanda seeks deeper collaboration with Ghana …as it opens High Commission in Accra
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hana’s Parliament on wednesday, November 4, passed the Air Navigation Services Agency Bill, creating an autonomous and independent entity out of the current Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The separation of the air navigation and
regulatory functions of the GCAA is in line with international best practice in aviation and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to ensure that the GCAA does not act as an operator and regulator at the same time.
We are ready for the competition —Qatar Airways VP
Ethiopian Cargo readies to distribute COVID-19 Vaccines
By Dominick Andoh dominick@aviationghana.com
Qatar Airways, which started four times weekly operations between Doha and Accra via Lagos on September 29, says it is ready for the competition and has already identified various opportunities within the Ghanaian travel market.
Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, has indicated its readiness with all required capabilities for the distribution of potential COVID-19 vaccine across Africa and the rest of the world. Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services was instrumental in facilitating the flow of medical supplies including PPEs across the globe in support of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic...
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The Republic of Rwanda on Tuesday, November 3 officially inaugurated its High Commission in Accra to further deepen bilateral relations between two countries with a long-standing history. The presence of Rwanda onground in Ghana is also expected to further boost business relations between two countries whose service sectors have been growing significantly over the past decade. The services sector of both countries contributes over 49 percent to their respective GDPs. ICT, FinTechs, hospitality, travel and tourism are some of the areas where more business cooperation is expected with the opening of the new facility at West Airport in Accra. PAGE 03
THE BOSS’ INTERVIEW Interview with Hendrik Du Preez, Vice President - Africa, Qatar Airways PAGE 05
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Parliament passes Air Navigation Services Agency Bill Despite the benefits and recommendations by major global agencies of aviation including ICAO, the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) and Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) for the separation of the ANS function from the regulatory role of the country’s CAA, it has been on the drawing board since 2006.
Aviation Minister, Joseph Kofi Adda, last Thursday moved for the Bill to be passed by Parliament and was seconded by the Chairman of the Roads and Transport Committee, Mr. Ayeh-Paye, seconded the motion and presented the report to the House. The third reading and the passage of the Bill was done on Tuesday, November 3, setting the final stage for
the decoupling awaiting the Presidential Assent. This move adds to Ghana’s continuous high record of improving the aviation sector reforms in line with the attainment of the President’s vision of making Ghana the aviation hub in West Africa. It would be recalled that not too long ago, the Minister moved another motion
that established an Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau, effectively taking out the Accidents Investigation function from the GCAA. Aviation Minister, Kofi Adda, told AviationGhana that: “These are all in line with the legal and regulatory reform agenda of the government to strengthen and improve safety and security in the aviation sector.”
We are ready for the competition —Qatar Airways VP CONTINUED FROM COVER
By Dominick Andoh dominick@aviationghana.com Though there is strong competition in Accra for Qatar from Emirates, and the likes of Ethiopian Airlines on the Far East route, despite the impact of the current pandemic, Mr. Hendrik Du Preez, Qatar’s Vice President for Africa, believes that the airline’s onboard service, years of experience and ‘generous’ booking policies will set it apart. “We at Qatar Airways have always
welcomed competition. We are working closely with travel trade partners and stakeholders from the industry on some opportunities within the market. “As the World’s Best Airline as voted by Skytrax with the Best Business Class product and the Best Airport in the Middle East, we pride ourselves on offering our passengers the very best travel experience. Additionally our generous booking policies and ongoing commitment to travelers offers peace of mind which is why many choose to rely on Qatar Airways for their travel plans,” Mr. Du Preez told AviationGhana in an exclusive interview.
The Gulf carrier started operating four weekly flights from the Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday, September 29. The entry of the Doha-based airline has offered passengers more travelling options and stir competition in a market where demand has been dampened by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and where airlines are gradually resuming operations with reduced frequencies. The airline’s entry has been long in coming. It was initially expected to start operations at the beginning of this year but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
and its associated widespread country border closures derailed its initial plans. Mr. Du Preez confirms that: “We first announced our intention to launch flights to Accra in January 2020 and while the pandemic has slightly delayed these plans, it has not stopped us from fulfilling our commitment to passengers in Ghana and around the world. “The combination of strong economic growth in Ghana and the large Ghanaian diaspora across Europe, the UK and U.S is why we decided to launch this route now. In time we believe we will be able to grow and strengthen this route as global travel recovers.”
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Ethiopian Cargo readies to distribute COVID-19 Vaccines CONTINUED FROM COVER
by deploying its state-of-the-art cargo terminal, which is the largest in Africa with annual capacity of around one million tons and compartmentalized temperature controlled cold storage facilities. Ethiopian Group CEO, Tewolde GebreMariam, commenting on the airline’s preparedness for the future opportunity, said: “Ethiopian Pharma Wing will repeat its remarkable and globally recognized success in leading the fast delivery of PPE few months ago with similar delivery speed, professional handling and maintaining the cool chain during the forthcoming global distribution of the COVID-19 Vaccine. “We are the major cargo partners of WHO, WFP donor governments and philanthropists in facilitating the flow of essential medical supplies owing to our massive cargo facility including our Pharma Wing, our large dedicated freighter fleet and well trained manpower. As the world prepares to welcome COVID-19 vaccine, we will be at the forefront to further discharge our responsibility in the distribution of the vaccine across the globe.” Equipped with different climate chambers ranging between -23OC to 25OC covering an area of 54,000m2, dedicated cool dollies, dedicated pharma team, lease/handling of Envirotainer & DoKaSCH-TS active
containers, real-time temperature monitoring system and fully temperature controlled operation, the Pharma Wing of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services is best suited for handling of pharmaceuticals and all types medical supplies. Additionally, leveraging the naturally air-conditioned weather of its home base Addis Ababa, Ethiopian guarantees safe and seamless cool chain logistics for handling temperature sensitive healthcare products. It is to be recalled that Ethiopian demonstrated remarkable agility in its response to the increased cargo demand in the wake of the pandemic by reconfiguring around 25 passenger aircraft into freighters using its own internal MRO capabilities besides deploying all its 12 dedicated cargo aircraft. The World Food Programme (WFP) made Addis Ababa cargo terminal a distribution hub for all humanitarian aids considering the industry standard resources and capabilities of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services and the superefficient service delivery demonstrated during the distribution of medical supplies provided by different donors including Jack Ma Foundation, WHO and the Chinese Government among others. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Ethiopian has operated over 360 charter flights to transport PPE’s over
100 countries across five continents. by deploying its state-of-the-art cargo terminal, which is the largest in Africa with annual capacity of around one million tons and compartmentalized temperature controlled cold storage facilities. Ethiopian Group CEO, Tewolde GebreMariam, commenting on the airline’s preparedness for the future opportunity, said: “Ethiopian Pharma Wing will repeat its remarkable and globally recognized success in leading the fast delivery of PPE few months ago with similar delivery speed, professional handling and maintaining the cool chain during the forthcoming global distribution of the COVID-19 Vaccine. “We are the major cargo partners of WHO, WFP donor governments and philanthropists in facilitating the flow of essential medical supplies owing to our massive cargo facility including our Pharma Wing, our large dedicated freighter fleet and well trained manpower. As the world prepares to welcome COVID-19 vaccine, we will be at the forefront to further discharge our responsibility in the distribution of the vaccine across the globe.” Equipped with different climate chambers ranging between -23OC to 25OC covering an area of 54,000m2, dedicated cool dollies, dedicated pharma team, lease/handling of Envirotainer & DoKaSCH-TS active containers, real-time temperature
monitoring system and fully temperature controlled operation, the Pharma Wing of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services is best suited for handling of pharmaceuticals and all types medical supplies. Additionally, leveraging the naturally air-conditioned weather of its home base Addis Ababa, Ethiopian guarantees safe and seamless cool chain logistics for handling temperature sensitive healthcare products. It is to be recalled that Ethiopian demonstrated remarkable agility in its response to the increased cargo demand in the wake of the pandemic by reconfiguring around 25 passenger aircraft into freighters using its own internal MRO capabilities besides deploying all its 12 dedicated cargo aircraft. The World Food Programme (WFP) made Addis Ababa cargo terminal a distribution hub for all humanitarian aids considering the industry standard resources and capabilities of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services and the superefficient service delivery demonstrated during the distribution of medical supplies provided by different donors including Jack Ma Foundation, WHO and the Chinese Government among others. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Ethiopian has operated over 360 charter flights to transport PPE’s over 100 countries across five continents.
Rwanda seeks deeper collaboration with Ghana CONTINUED FROM COVER
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r. Vincent Biruta, Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, noted that: “Our well established diplomatic relations have been materialized by the continued engagement between the leadership of the two countries at the highest level. The Rwanda Resident Mission in Accra further comes to cement these existing relations.” He added that: “This decision to make an investment in the future of our relationship is based on a firm conviction that there is a huge potential to strengthen the many links and interests that we share for the benefit of our respective people. Starting with yesterday’s signing of a General Cooperation Agreement between our two countries which will help enhance our cooperation in areas of mutual interests including trade and industry, tourism, and education. “Our Multilateral cooperation will also be enhanced with the presence of a Mission here, and we look forward to continue to support each other’s country on the international scene where we often share the same African agenda including the reforms of the African Union and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey (left), Dr. Vincent Biruta (middle) and the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Ghana, Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira (right) at the opening of the facility located at West Airport, Accra.
Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, in her remarks said: ”It is worthy of mention that our two countries continue to cooperate at the multilateral level on major issues of regional and global concern, particularly at the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) for the mutual benefit of our people.
“I wish to commend the Government and People of Rwanda for their invaluable contribution and support to ongoing reforms at the African Union Commission (AUC) and the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It will be a remiss on my part not to mention the support of Rwanda for Ghana’s successful bid to host the Secretariat of
the AfCFTA.” “I am confident that the commissioning of the new Chancery will provide our two countries with the opportunity to explore other areas of cooperation. Let me assure you that the staff of the High Commission can count on the support of my Ministry in the discharge of their duties.”
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The Boss’ Interview Q
atar Airways, a little over a month ago, started servicing Accra’s Kotoka International Airport. In this exclusive interview, AviationGhana’s Dominick Andoh speaks with Hendrik Du Preez, the Doha-based airline’s Vice President for Africa on the decision to start the service despite the current pandemic and how the airline plans to stay competitive in the Accra market.
AviationGhana: Qatar has started 4x weekly flights from Doha to Accra via Lagos, what is your assessment of the West Africa aviation market?
AviationGhana: What other marketing/promotional activities/ offers should travelers to and from Accra expect?
Hendrik Du Preez: This is a very strategic market for Qatar airways as we expand our operation into West Africa. The region is vibrant and currently attracting investment opportunities across the globe hence the right entry time for Qatar Airways to be able to be part of this great story. With a strong Ghanaian diaspora in Europe, the UK and the U.S, we have received unwavering support from the Ghanaian government in launching flights to and from Ghana.
Hendrik Du Preez: We have from time to time exciting promotions tailormade for the market and we encourage travelers to sign up for our newsletter on our website, this will ensure they are well-informed of any exciting developments that may take place. AviationGhana: What equipment will be operated on the Accra route and what should travelers expect on-board?
AviationGhana: More specifically, what is your assessment of the Lagos and Accra markets? Hendrik Du Preez: From Qatar Airways’ perspective, we maintained strong relationships with the West African market. Our Lagos route was inaugurated back in 2007 as Nigeria’s commercial capital and the gateway to West Africa, offering strong business links with rest of the world. When Qatar Airways was able to fly back into Lagos last month, we immediately stepped into the market with four weekly flights and added Accra as a new tagged destination. Accra has been in our plans to launch earlier this year but due to COVID-19 we had to put some plans on hold. Both Accra and Lagos are vibrant economies that are aggressively developing, they have strong economic fundamentals from Nigeria’s oil sector providing approximately 95% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and Ghana’s - gold, oil, and cocoa exports are major sources of foreign exchange. Ghana is one of the fastest growing economies in the region famed for its local hospitality and highly sought after agricultural exports. AviationGhana: Why did Qatar decide to start this route at this time when the global pandemic has pushed most airlines to the brink and yields are very low (some airlines are flying half empty to the region)? Hendrik Du Preez : We first announced our intention to launch flights to Accra in January 2020 and while the pandemic has slightly delayed these plans, it has not stopped us from fulfilling our commitment to passengers in Ghana and around the world. The combination of strong economic growth in Ghana and the large Ghanaian diaspora across Europe, the UK and U.S is why we decided to launch this route now. In time we believe we will be able to grow and strengthen this route as global travel recovers.
Since the onset of the pandemic, Qatar Airways’ network has never fallen below 30 destinations with continuous services to five continents. As the airline’s network rebuild continues, we remain focused on providing seamless, safe and reliable connectivity to our passengers. We have always maintained the highest level of safety on board our aircraft and we also recently rolled out our UV light cabin cleaning system which is clinically proven to inactivate viruses and bacteria. Our aircraft are also equipped with HEPA filters which remove 99.97% of viral and bacterial contaminants so there is no reason to cut down on our rapidly expanding network as we have the experience. By May 2020, Qatar Airways was the largest carrier to fly and take people home. The experience accumulated over the previous months have enabled us to continue operating and adding new routes to our network to provide our passengers with seamless connectivity globally. AviationGhana: Based on data available to you, what’s is your projection in terms of load factor for the next 12months? Hendrik Du Preez: I am proud to say that our experience and safety measures help us be the airline of choice during these uncertain times. Being the largest global carrier to operate during the pandemic since April, this resilience continues to inspire confidence that Qatar Airways remains a strong and reliable partner. I cannot disclose our private operational data but I can say that our flight numbers and load factors
are increasing. AviationGhana: There is strong competition in Accra for Qatar from Emirates, and the likes of Ethiopian (on the Far East route), despite the impact of the current pandemic. How is Qatar approaching this to ensure it becomes a household name in Ghana and the sub-region within the shortest possible time? Hendrik Du Preez: We at Qatar Airways have always welcomed competition. We are working closely with travel trade partners and stakeholders from the industry on some opportunities within the market. As the World’s Best Airline as voted by Skytrax with the Best Business Class product and the Best Airport in the Middle East, we pride ourselves on offering our passengers the very best travel experience. Additionally our generous booking policies and ongoing commitment to travelers offers peace of mind which is why many choose to rely on Qatar Airways for their travel plans. AviationGhana: Are they any exciting promotional offers to stimulate demand as Qatar starts operations to Accra? Hendrik Du Preez: Yes, we have great market introductory offers and all customers need to do is to visit QatarAirways.com. Customers are encouraged to sign up to our newsletter to ensure they do not miss out on any of the exciting promotions to be rolled out. We recently announced exciting global sales promotions among many others so we urge everyone to keep an eye out for our announcements across our platforms.
Hendrik Du Preez: Qatar Airways is known to operate the most modern, technologically advanced fleet in the world with our bespoke product. For Accra, we are operating our modern fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a spacious design with unobstructed views with electronically dimmable windows much larger than any comparable aircraft. The cabin is also pressured to a lower equivalent altitude, allowing you to breathe more oxygen than in any other aircraft. More oxygen means fewer headaches, less dizziness and less travel fatigue. The pandemic did not disrupt our promised service on board. Qatar Airways proudly offers you a flight experience like no other. AviationGhana: Your maiden flight to Accra had two Ghanaians in the cockpit and five in the cabin. Will the airline seek to engage more qualified locals on the route as it business in the sub-region grows in the near future? Hendrik Du Preez: Qatar Airways is a truly global airline. Our multicultural workforce is one of our key strengths with employees from more than 160 nationalities. Our diverse cabin crew includes more than 30 African nationalities, including many Ghanaians. With our ambitious expansion plan, we shall definitely continue hiring staff globally including from Ghana. AviationGhana: How does your operations in football-loving West Africa fit into the airline’s plan towards the 2022 World cup in Qatar. Hendrik Du Preez: As the host of FIFA World cup 2022 in Qatar we definitely aspire to offer a direct flight to most cities in West Africa. We believe strongly in the power of sport to bring people together and we expect thousands of spectators from West Africa to visit and discover Qatar when the country opens up again for tourists and also when we host the FIFA World Cup Qatar in 2022.
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Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services wins ‘Best Cargo Airline – Africa’ Award E
thiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, Africa’s largest network cargo operator and multi-award winner, has been crowned as the ‘Best Cargo Airline-Africa’ at the Air Cargo News Awards 2020. Ethiopian received the accolade for its leading role in air cargo service in Africa. Commenting on the award, Mr. Fitsum Abady, the Managing Director of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, said: “We are pleased to win the ‘Best Cargo Airline – Africa ’ award at the Air Cargo news Awards 2020. While the aviation industry is in its toughest time of fighting for survival, winning this award at this difficult time will mark our big achievement as major player in the air-cargo industry. “Our hard-working employees, modern fleet and state-of-the-art infrastructure coupled with operational efficiency as well as the very agile and flexible leadership that helped us
in successfully navigating during the COVID 19 pandemic, have gained us this prestigious Award of Best Cargo Airline – Africa from the industry’s highly regarded Air Cargo News Award 2020 which will make us strive more as always.” It is to be recalled that Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services played a leading role in transporting much-needed medical supplies across Africa and the rest of the globe thereby since COVID-19 broke out, reaffirming its solidarity with the world in the fight
THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines named “Europe’s Leading Airline Lounge” F
or the second consecutive year, THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus at Brussels Airport has been named “Europe’s Leading Airline Lounge” at the annual World Travel Awards. The World Travel Awards celebrate organisations that are recognised for their commitment to excellence. Both customers and travel and tourism professionals voted for THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus as winner in its category. While the award is a recognition of the product that THE LOFT has been offering since June 2018, the voting for the World Travel Awards took place during the coronavirus pandemic, when Brussels Airlines and Lexus were offering a product and service that was adapted to and in line with the current health and safety measures. The fact that customers and professionals voted for THE LOFT even at this moment makes the reward even more precious, as both companies do their utmost to continue putting the customer at the center, no matter the circumstances. THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus is a unique lounge concept, centred on comfort, technology, design and a blend of ‘Belgitude’ and Japanese hospitality. Tanguy Cartuyvels, Head of Customer Experience & Marketing at Brussels Airlines said: “Customer centricity is
at the heart of everything we do, in normal times and in these extremely challenging circumstances. The fact that we have won the award for “Europe’s leading airline lounge 2020” in the most difficult year our company and the aviation industry have ever experienced, makes it all the more valuable. I am extremely grateful to the travel and tourism professionals who voted for THE LOFT, and even more so for the customers who continue to visit THE LOFT in this challenging time. They give us the energy to reinvent ourselves in times of crisis and to continue offering great experiences, even within the limitations we face due to the current health measures. Working together with partners who are driven by the highest quality services, enables us to offer an exceptional guest experience. Lexus is the perfect example of that.” Pascal Ruch, Head of Lexus Europe, said: “We are grateful to our customers for their trust and we are delighted to receive this esteemed Award for the second consecutive year. The Lexus’ spirit of Omotenashi, the Japan-inspired personalized and exceptional guest experience we bring to our guests is valued this year, more than ever, making a real difference and providing peace of mind for business travellers in today’s uncertain times. We strongly appreciate the outstanding collaboration with Brussels Airlines and other partners together with whom we share this
Award today”. THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus opened its doors on June 25, 2018 as a relaxing new space for international travellers inspired by Lexus luxury, design and Omotenashi hospitality. It marks a further expansion of Lexus beyond the premium automotive world as a global luxury lifestyle brand. Lounge guests are provided with a wealth of facilities to make their visit comfortable, relaxing and enjoyable, together with opportunities to immerse themselves in the world of Lexus. Covering an area of 2040m2, THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus offers seating for 500 guests. It is divided
into areas with different ambiences and features, including a central bar, seating zones and a break-out space that’s ideal for those who need to work while on the move. A unique blend of premium features are offered to visitors. Following the decision by the Belgian Federal Government to temporarily close the hospitality sector in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus is currently closed. In the meantime, Brussels Airlines and Lexus have put everything in place for a safe reopening as soon as the circumstances permit it.
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New regional airports to open up local economies
Mr. Kofi Adda and officials from GACL and Ghana Air Force inspect the Kete-Krachi airstrip. The Kete-Krachi airstrip is one of the inactive aerodromes in the country. Government plans to revamp as many as possible to open up various parts of the country.
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he primary and secondary effects of airports are fulfilled through employment and income generated by airports and supporting activities; employment and income generated by air passengers who make expenditures on travel-related services in local areas; and induced economic activities as a consequence of the successive rounds of spending made by the recipients of the first two types of activities. Studies have shown that these benefits can be extremely important to a local economy in terms of employment, household income and, for local government, taxation revenue. By initially attracting key businesses to an area in sufficient numbers, airport development can lead to the crossing of important thresholds in terms of economies of scale, scope and density, through which a region can acquire a vital knowledge base to foster local development and make the region quasi-independent of others. The regional economy can feed on this to further its high-technology activities and hence to accelerate its growth, described as perpetuity effects. Indeed, with so much aerodromes created in various parts of country between 1939-1960s, there are already 34 aerodromes at various stages of use across the country that can easily be renovated to open up local economies. Works are expected to begin next month on revamping three airstrips— Yendi, Navrongo, and Mole. The three airstrips are part of the 34 aerodromes already in existence whose dirt runways
are intact but have remained inactive for decades. They need revamping to become suitable for commercial passenger operations. After visits to the Kete-Krachi, Mole, Navrongo and Yendi airstrips by the Aviation Minister and technical persons from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the three locations were found most suitable to be immediately revamped. This is because the airstrips were found intact with little or no encroachment, had enough space for the extension of the runway’s length and width, and the traditional rulers and opinion leaders of the area were supportive and willing to help government secure the sites. The Yendi Airstrip Yendi, the capital of the Dagomba people, has for centuries hosted, and still hosts, the Overlord of the Dagbon Traditional Kingdom, the YA- Na. It is known for the production of the renowned Gonja cloth used for the traditional men´s smock The airstrip in Yendi has been in existence since the 1940s. The Yendi airstrip has a length of 1,500 metres and has enough land for the runway to be extended, and the current width extended to 300-150 metres on each side of the runway. Aviation Minister Joseph Kofi Adda noted that: “The President has directed us to construct as many airports and airstrips as possible to boost business and improve tourism. The Yendi airstrip
has been in existence since the 1940s. Fortunately, the encroachment is not too much. “There is still a lot of land for us to expand the width by 150 metres on each side. We will have to add 300 metres to the existing 1,500 metre-long runway to bring it up to 1,800 metres. A double seal of the runway will also be done so that light passenger aircraft can safely operate to Yendi. This is something that can be done in a month or two for us to open up the Eastern side of Dagbon,” Mr. Adda noted. The Navrongo Airstrip Navrongo is an important market town, known for its cathedral and its grotto.The decades-old Navrongo airstrip is still intact, well compacted and used frequently by the Ghana Air Force. It currently measures 1,500 metres long and 24 metres wide. Historically, it served as a strategic facility for the training of the National Guard which were responsible for defending the country’s northern border during the Second World War. Based on its closeness to Ghana’s Northern border with Burkina Faso, it is ideally located to help boost trade between Ghana and its northern neighbours and open up the northern frontier for economic development. Mr. Adda, during a recent visit noted that: “Designs have been done, feasibility completed, funding has been secured, and we are waiting for the signing of the commercial agreement.
The sponsors have come with funds to show what they have available and the Minister for Finance has looked at it and it is fairly reasonable to us. So we are waiting for the approval from the Finance Ministry to say whether it fits into their financial framework; that’s what we are waiting for to proceed.” Mole Airstrip Mole Airfield is next to Larabanga and located in the Savannaland Tourism Destination Area of Ghana. The area rich biodiversity makes it a tourism haven. But challenges with ease of access persist. Indeed, Mole is rich in biodiversity and home to some 742 vascular plant species, over 90 mammal species Key tourist interest include Elephant, Buffalo, Kob, Western Hartebeest, Roan Antelope, Defassa Waterbuck, Oribi, Bohor Reedbuck and Red-flanked Duiker. Rare and endangered species include the Yellow-backed Duiker, Black and White Colobus Monkey, Leopard and Lion. The Park is also home to 334 bird species, 33 reptiles, 9 amphibian species, and some 120 butterfly species. The importance of developing the airstrip in the area lies in the multiplier effect it will have on sectors such as tourism, services and agriculture. The existing runway in Mole measures 1200 x19meters and is virtually intact with no encroachment. It can be readily revamped and turn the area into a rich wild life tourism hotspot.
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Africa news
NOVEMBER 4-5, 2020
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Nigeria: Airlines owe aviation agencies N22.2bn, says Aviation Minister T
he Minister for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has put the debts of Nigerian airlines over the last 10 years to aviation agencies at about N22.2 billion. Sirika also said the federal government would soon start the disbursement of the N5 billion bailout it approved for the operators of the aviation sector. The House of Representatives, however, directed the Ministry of Aviation to suspend the planned ceding of four airports to private investors, pending the resolution of the contentious issues raised by labour unions and other stakeholders. Sirika spoke in Abuja at a public hearing on the Civil Aviation Amendment bills by the National Assembly, which would modernize and make the country’s aviation industry, be in tandem with international best practices. The minister explained that the domestic carriers owe the agencies $6.9 million and N19.6 billion respectively and lamented their inability to pay their bills to the agencies, including five per cent charge from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), passenger service charge, landing and parking fees to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and overflight charges to the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The public hearing, organised by the Senate, is the first leg of the hearing by the National Assembly for the amendment of the Civil Aviation Amendment bills and that of other agencies in the aviation industry. Sirika made the disclosure of the debts in response to the request by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Smart Adeyemi, who canvassed for bailout fund for the airlines to save them from bankruptcy. Sirika stated that the federal government would soon start the disbursement of the N5 billion bailout it approved for the operators of the aviation sector. He said the airline operators would get N4 billion while other businesses in the aviation sector would be given N1 billion. “The federal government has approved N4 billion as a bailout for the airlines and N1 billion for other businesses within civil aviation. “We are already putting arrangements for the disbursement in place and once we start, it would be transparently done,” he added. However, Adeyemi, said the N4 billion would not be enough to keep the airline operators in the business. He added that the fortunes of airlines globally have degenerated because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Nigerian carriers are not left out. According to him, other countries have given huge bailout funds to their airlines in order to sustain their operations and retain their manpower.
Also, Adeyemi, in his welcome address, said the public hearing was important in order to encourage the quality and content of the bills, ensure economic growth, improved job creation, provision of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities and safety of the industry. He noted that without the review of the Civil Aviation Acts, the policy of the government to implement the master plan for the sector would not be achieved, while the nation’s aviation industry would continue to lag behind. He warned that if the challenges of the indigenous airlines were not urgently addressed by the government, most of the carriers may close shop soon and called on Sirika to ensure increment in the palliative funds approved for the carriers. “Let’s look at the cost of spare parts for the airlines and duties that they perform. Though we might argue that the business is a private one, it is centered around safety. “The N4 billion approved for the airlines by the federal government is too little to make an impact on the operations of the airlines,” he said. The six aviation agencies, which their Acts are being amended or repealed, are the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Act, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Act, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Act, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) Act, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Act and the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB). Speaking at the public hearing, the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, said the issues to be addressed in the bills were sufficient enough to ensure safe travel and enhance security in the Nigerian aviation industry.
The NCAA Director-General, Capt. Musa Nuhu, in his presentation, said the agency was supposed to be the only regulatory body in the country. He, however, said some of the service providers in the aviation agencies, such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Act, 1995 and the Nigerian Airspace Management Act, 1999, gave them regulatory powers, contrary to the recommended practices of ICAO, which required only the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of every ICAO member state to act as the only autonomous regulator of civil aviation in the member state. He explained that the findings of FAA Category 1 Certification Audit of Nigeria, conducted in 2010 and ICAO audit recommended that Nigeria should take corrective actions to address the finding by amending the establishment laws, to remove regulatory powers from service provider agencies, which Nigeria accepted.a Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has directed the Ministry of Aviation to suspend the planned ceding of four airports to private investors pending the resolution of the contentious issues raised by the unions and other stakeholders. The federal government recently announced that it has commenced the concession process for four new international airport terminals, comprising Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano. The House Committee on Aviation gave the directive to halt the concession process yesterday in Abuja following the refusal of Sirika to appear before it and clear grey areas as regards the planned concession of the four airports. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Hassan Musa, had told the committee that the minister could
not make it because he was attending a public hearing on a bill at the Senate. However, the excuse did not go down well with the members of the committee who said the minister deliberately refused to appear despite the seriousness of the issue. The committee also said the minister, even though he was a former lawmaker, has no regard for the committee. The committee suspended all actions concerning the concession until the minister appears before it. The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, said everybody was aware of the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation sector, which he said would take a while for the industry to recover, hence, the need for the committee to strive to do whatever is necessary to help stabilise the sector. Nnaji stated: “Based on the outcome of the meeting with the labour unions, the committee invited the Minister of Aviation and the heads of agencies under him to discuss the issue of the airports’ concession. Several dates were fixed for the meeting but for one reason or the other, they failed to attend. “The committee had also received several letters from stakeholders both in favour and against the airports’ concession. In view of this, the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation hereby requests that the concession of the four airports should be put on hold pending the resolution of the contentious issues raised by the unions and other stakeholders to avoid industrial actions that may further cripple the already distressed industry. “We are hopeful that at the end of the day, our intervention would provide an opportunity for all the parties to reach a common ground that will move the aviation industry forward.” (Source: BWN)
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NOVEMBER 4-5, 2020
news
AVIATION GHANA
A COVID vaccine is the next tourist attraction
BY: TYLER COWEN
C
ovid-19 has brought so many new and difficult choices into people’s lives, and now there is another one, particularly for well-to-do Americans: If a vaccine were not yet available in the U.S., would you fly to another country to get it? It is now possible to have a decent sense of which nation is winning the vaccine race, and it is not the U.S. A Chinese vaccine is being distributed now, and so far it seems to be safe and modestly effective. The data are not sufficiently clear that you ought to get one now, but it is easy to imagine that in another month or two the Chinese vaccine will be a plausible option. And no, you probably won’t have to go to China for the jab. The Chinese vaccines are being distributed on a global basis, and are already in extensive tests in the United Arab Emirates. The timing is uncertain, but with delays on the U.S. side it is entirely possible that come January you will be able to get a “good enough” vaccine in Dubai but not in Dallas. So would you get on that plane? There is also talk of the U.K. and Germany having some vaccines
available before Christmas, with a greater supply to follow shortly thereafter. The European Union has an explicit policy, by setting a lower effectiveness threshold, to approve some vaccines that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will not. The safety threshold in the EU still should be fine. You might think there will be complicated allocation rules limiting your ability, as a foreigner, to have access to these vaccines. That is likely true, but there is also going to be slippage. Say you are a front-line nurse overseas, and you already had Covid back in March. The private clinic you work for will be able to order a vaccine on your behalf, but then turn around and sell it to a visiting foreigner for, say, $20,000. The regulations on these vaccines will be so new there are certain to be loopholes, so don’t think this is necessarily an illegal or black-market transaction. It is more akin to a grey market. There might be some legal risk, of course, and the higher it is, the higher the price will be to induce some sellers to divert supply. Or imagine that the Chinese encourage some countries to set up completely legal vaccine tourism programs for wealthy Americans, if only to score a propaganda victory and make a point about dependence. I hear Cambodia is
lovely in winter. The U.S. itself might be on board with such an arrangement. If reasonable vaccines are approved in other countries first, American elites might start a revolt of sorts. Rather than fixing America’s cumbersome vaccine approval and distribution system, the federal government might find it easier to encourage an allied nation or two to offer their product to visiting Americans. It won’t be fair, but the U.S. might find that creating such a system for well-to-do squawkers will defuse their opposition to the status quo. What might vaccine tourism look like? You will get multiple rapid tests before boarding the plane and taking your business-class seat. Upon landing in Dubai or Hong Kong, you will quarantine briefly, get your jab, then spend a few days more under observation and hotel quarantine. You will then fly back home. As for payment, maybe you sent bitcoin in advance. You are paying more for the reliability and reputation of the clinic than for the vaccine itself. Is vaccine tourism unethical? That is hard to say. On the one hand, you might be taking a vaccine away from someone who needs it more. On the other, there is a comparable and probably higher risk that any government-approved vaccine allocation method, whatever it may be,
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will be less than morally optimal. Say the government tries to be as objective as possible by using an algorithm to rank citizens based on their need for a vaccine. How many people would say it is wrong to follow the algorithm? Would vaccine tourism and market forces be egregiously more unfair? Wealthy foreigners fly to the U.S. all the time for better medical treatment without provoking widespread moral outrage. Furthermore, to put it bluntly, if you are a highly productive person who runs a business and creates a lot of jobs, it probably is best for society that you get a vaccine early. And it is not just to keep you healthy. It’s also to lower your perceived risk so you can travel, go to meetings and do your thing. Is it so wrong when selfishness and altruism coincide? In this way Covid-19 doesn’t present a new choice so much as illuminate an old maxim: When there are gains to be made from trade, the safe bet is that they will be captured. The writer is is a professor of economics at George Mason University and writes for the blog Marginal Revolution. His books include ‘Big Business: A Love Letter to an American Anti-Hero.’
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